Jimmy Smith, Ravens cornerback

Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun

After two underwhelming seasons to start his NFL career, Smith started to live up to the hype in 2013. Propelled by a strong showing in the Super Bowl, the 2011 first-round draft pick was the team's best cornerback during the 2013 regular season, and his strong play late in the season prompted the Ravens to go against their defensive philosophy by asking him to shadow Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson throughout a Week 15 win. While the start of the 2014 NFL season is eight months away, Smith, 25, will be a player to keep an eye on as the season approaches. The Ravens always felt he could grow into one of the NFL's best cover cornerbacks. We'll see if he can do that this year. -- Matt Vensel, Blogger/Reporter

After two underwhelming seasons to start his NFL career, Smith started to live up to the hype in 2013. Propelled by a strong showing in the Super Bowl, the 2011 first-round draft pick was the team's best cornerback during the 2013 regular season, and his strong play late in the season prompted the Ravens to go against their defensive philosophy by asking him to shadow Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson throughout a Week 15 win. While the start of the 2014 NFL season is eight months away, Smith, 25, will be a player to keep an eye on as the season approaches. The Ravens always felt he could grow into one of the NFL's best cover cornerbacks. We'll see if he can do that this year. -- Matt Vensel, Blogger/Reporter (Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun)

After two underwhelming seasons to start his NFL career, Smith started to live up to the hype in 2013. Propelled by a strong showing in the Super Bowl, the 2011 first-round draft pick was the team's best cornerback during the 2013 regular season, and his strong play late in the season prompted the Ravens to go against their defensive philosophy by asking him to shadow Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson throughout a Week 15 win. While the start of the 2014 NFL season is eight months away, Smith, 25, will be a player to keep an eye on as the season approaches. The Ravens always felt he could grow into one of the NFL's best cover cornerbacks. We'll see if he can do that this year. -- Matt Vensel, Blogger/Reporter